Appropriate Follow-Up Interval for Normal Colonoscopy in Average Risk Patients

Percentage of patients aged 50 years to 75 years receiving a screening colonoscopy without biopsy or polypectomy who had a recommended follow-up interval of at least 10 years for repeat colonoscopy documented in their colonoscopy report.

Date Reviewed: November 4, 2018

Support

Group/PracticeIndividual Clinician

Measure Info

MIPS 320NQF 0658CMS 320NQF EndorsedCQMC Core Measure

Measure Type:

Process

Measure Steward:

American Gastroenterological Association

Clinical Topic Area:

Cancer Screening

Prevention and Wellness

Care Setting:

Outpatient

Data Source:

Claims

Electronic Pharmacy Data

Registry Data

ACP supports MIPS measure ID# 320 (NQF ID# 0658): “Appropriate Follow-up for Normal Colonoscopy in Average Risk Patients” because implementation will likely promote appropriate use of colonoscopy in average risk patients, developers cite the clinical recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force on “Screening for Colon Cancer” to form the basis of the measure, the measure specifications are well-defined and the denominator includes well specified and clinically appropriate exceptions to eligibility for the measure, and data collection is feasible and the burden is acceptable for clinicians who report this measure. While we support this measure, we note that the developers cite outdated performance datato form the basis of the measure and therefore; we cannot assess the opportunity for improvement. Also, developers should consider revising the verbiage of the numerator specifications from “at least 10 years” to “10 years.” “At least 10 years” implies that it is appropriate for clinicians to recommend a repeat colonoscopy beyond a 10-year interval when 10 years is the only recommended interval for repeat colonoscopy. Finally, while this measure focuses on documentation rather than performing an intervention, it is a good starting point to educate clinicians on their performance compared to their peers. A more meaningful measure may assess how often clinicians perform colonoscopies in average risk patients prior to the recommended follow-up date.

As part of an ongoing effort to improve user experience, we have made some updates to the Performance Measures section of ACP. Tell us what you think!